You are here

Regulatory Permit and License

Regulatory Permit and License

In addition to the Business Registration Certificate, certain types of businesses, such as restaurants, massage establishments, or retail markets, to name a few, are required to obtain additional permits and licenses from local regulatory agencies to operate in San Francisco. The License Rate Table April 2019 - March 2020 will indicate appropriate local regulatory agency and respective license/permit fees. After the business permit is approved by the assigned regulatory agency, the business owner pays a license fee to the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector and the license certificate is issued. The license must be posted at the place of business and must be renewed annually.

Applying for a New Business Permit or License

San Francisco business owners must submit the appropriate permit application and pay any associated fee to the regulatory department(s). If an inspection is necessary, the business owner will be contacted by the agency to schedule an appointment. Usually, a business must pass an inspection to be approved.

Renewing a Regulatory License

Pursuant to the Ordinance amending various sections of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code, the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector has implemented a consolidated billing system for license renewal fees. Businesses receive a single bill which will list all the license renewal fees associated to a single ownership based on their current "Business Registration Certificate Number" on file.

The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector handles the annual regulatory license renewal. When all license fees are paid in full, the license certificate(s) is issued. Be aware that some businesses who do not have a current Business Registration Certificate will not receive licenses until all business tax and fee matters are resolved.

Need Further Assistance?

Submit a service request. A Representative will contact you on the SAME DAY of the request if submitted prior to 7:00 pm. Requests received after 7:00 pm will receive a response by the next business day.